WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The unsung heroes of Purdue's balanced offensive attack are the linemen.

But the five upfront guys have paved the way for the Boilermakers to average 196.8 passing yards and 174.7 rushing yards per game. Purdue ranks sixth in the Big Ten in both categories, as well as third-down conversions (41.7 percent).

Left tackle Dennis Kelly, right guard Nick Mondek and center Rick Schmeig each have started all 12 games this season. Kelly, in fact, leads all Purdue players on offensive with 36 career starts (every game the last three years).

The Boilermakers are back in postseason play and will take on Western Michigan in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl on Dec. 27 at Ford Field. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET.

Tickets for the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl are priced at $45 (Purdue's allotment of the $60 club seats is sold out) and can be ordered through the Purdue Athletic Ticket Office anytime on-line here or by phone (494-3194 or 800-49-SPORT) or in-person during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

If your holiday schedule won't permit you to cheer on the Boilermakers at the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, you can help send someone else by purchasing a ticket.

The Purdue Athletics Department, in conjunction with the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, has set up a program where fans can purchase tickets to be donated. All donated tickets will be distributed to military members and their families or underprivileged children.

In addition, Boilermaker Nation can help defray the cost of sending the Purdue "All-American" Marching Band and/or the Reamer Club to the game.

To take part in either initiative, click here or call 494-3194 or 800-49-SPORT.